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Puducherry was handpicked by the PM for the National Youth Festival: Shri. Anurag Thakur
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports Shri. Anurag Thakur today said Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi handpicked Puducherry as the venue of the National Youth Festival.
Speaking at an event in Puducherry to unveil the logo and mascot of the 25th National Youth Festival to be held in the Union Territory from 12 to 16 January 2022, he said the Prime Minister is expected to inaugurate the youth festival and address the youth.
"Thousands of young talents from all over the country will come to Puducherry and participate in the festival. This year, at a time when we are celebrating the 75th year of Independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Puducherry has been handpicked by the Honourable PM to organise this massive youth festival. It is a historic moment for us," he said.
Shri. Thakur expressed happiness over the arrangements being made for the festival and said, "I am glad that the Lt Governor, the Chief Minister and the entire team of Ministers and officials have come forward to ensure that no stone was left unturned to make the event a grand success. I appreciate their passion to host the national festival."
The Union Minister said he was sure that when youth from across the country come here, "they will go back with memorable moments they can cherish". He praised the children who came to the stage dressed up like Swami Vivekananda, Mahakavi Bharathi and Shri Aurobindo.
"We have a lot to learn from these three great personalities. Our country is a land of rich culture and heritage. There are many unsung heroes who sacrificed their life for freedom struggle," he said and added that these things, along with many other topics, would be discussed in detail at the National Youth Festival.
According to Thakur, youngsters from various States and Union Territories would showcase their culture, while a mix of many powerful speakers from various regions who have done well in their respective fields would share their experience. "We can hear something, learn something and go back with a memorable experience."
Stating that there was one more week to go for the festival, Shri. Thakur said he was in Puducherry to review the preparations and held meetings with the Lt Governor, Chief Minister and officials. He expressed satisfaction about the arrangements.
He said Puducherry is a dream destination for many and the festival will be a great opportunity to showcase the potential of Puducherry. "From the Centre, all I can say is, we will provide whatever help is possible."
The Union Minister said the world is looking at India, and the youth have the most important role in nation building. Youth power should be channelised to make India a global power, he said and added that the time has come to showcase the power and abilities of India. He also said IT companies and startups have done very well.
Shri. Thakur and Lt. Governor of Puducherry Dr . Tamilisai Soundararajan unveiled the logo and mascot of the 25th National Youth Festival. Chief Minister of Puducherry Shri. N. Rangaswamy, Speaker of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly Shri. R. Selvam, Education Minister Shri. A .Namasivayam were present on the occasion.
The Minister also unveiled the theme of the National Youth Festival, 'Shaksham Yuva Shashakth Yuva' meaning Capable Youth, Strong Youth.
Earlier in the day, the Minister reviewed in detail the arrangements being done for the Youth Festival. He also gave various suggestions and inputs.